A chicken race and new crown for Rose Queen

The parade sets off...
Out Rawcliffe Village Parade Rose Queen crowning and Garden Party

Published:15:38Wednesday 27 July 2016

From chicken racing to royalty, Out Rawcliffe village garden party proved a fun day for all.

Villagers enjoyed a short service at St John’s Church, as the retiring Rose Queen Isobel Jenkinson, 12, passed over her crown to 11-year-old Lily O’Sullivan, as she made her debut at the gala parade.

All the Rose Queens and their retinues pictured on stage during the crowning

Other queens from surrounding areas Stalmine and Hambleton were also invited to the procession.

To celebrate the new royalty, residents gathered in and around the church hall for an afternoon of merriment, which included chicken racing, tombolas and donkey rides.

Sheila Gardner, secretary of St John’s Church committee, said: “It was a lovely day. We were very lucky with the weather.

“One of the activities that provided a few laughs was the chicken racing. They were old hens with ribbons on their feet. They all stood in a row and were pitted against one another.

New Rose Queen, Lily O'Sullivan

“People placed bets as to which would win and there were three heats. Unfortunately the chickens didn’t want to run and we had to waft tea towels behind them to get them moving - it was hilarious.

“We had one hen that laid an egg.

“There was also the usual things at a gala day, such as stalls, as well as donkey rides, which were very popular.

“Everyone had a lovely time and it was such a special day. Special mention should go to Alison Metcalf, who came on behalf of the parish council, Michael Gardner, who chaired the event and Evelyn Lawrenson, who crowned the Rose Queen.

Retiring Rose Queen Isobel Jenkinson, back, with her retinue

“This event is very important to us. Every year we think it might be the last as our local school closed and we lose track of the children.

“But the whole village knows it is going on and parents contact us asking if their daughter can be a Rose Queen. This was our 66th Rose Queen, which we think is a record for a village. We live in hope that it will continue each year.”

Rose Queen, Lily O'Sullivan with her retinue

Trending

What are your rights if you can't get into work due to snow?

Families can enjoy a taste of the old and new and a little festive magic at the Garstang Victorian Festival